TT069 – Diving Into Biofilms With Water Quality Investigations (Part 1)
In the first episode of a two-part series, we explore the world of biofilms in drinking water systems with guests Andrew Jacque and Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff of Water Quality Investigations. Andrew and Emily explain to Jennifer and Steve the fundamentals of what biofilms are, where they can be found both in water systems and naturally, and the health issues they can cause. Be sure to return for Part 2, which will delve even further into the complexities of biofilms! Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode.
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TT068 – How the Be Well Informed Tool Educates Well Owners
In Tap Talk's 68th episode, Steve and Jennifer chat with Kurt Rakouskas — a project manager at the Environmental Council of the States — about the organization's cross-disciplinary work and its stewardship of the Be Well Informed tool. This free tool helps well users understand the results of water tests performed on their wells by translating the scientific and technical notation into plain language. This helps make clear if there is a problem indicated by the results, what the risks of any present contaminants are, and what the next steps should be for the well owner. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode.
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TT067 – The Value of Well Data in Serving Well Owners
This week on Tap Talk we are pleased to welcome guest Erin Ling, a senior extension specialist at Virginia Tech University who coordinates the Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP). The unique program provides a wealth of services to well owners in Virginia, including affordable testing, educational programming & workshops, water quality data collection & publication, and youth outreach for high school students. In particular, Erin emphasizes the value of the program's data on Virginia's private wells, and discusses with Steve and Jennifer how other states might learn from Virginia's model. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode.
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TT066 - Understanding PFAS and Private Wells (Part 2)
In this episode we're concluding a two-part series exploring PFAS and their impact on private well users. Our conversation with Dr. Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson and Jennifer Hoponick Redmon dives further into their research efforts and potential applications. Together these episodes offer important foundational understanding as well as new insight on PFAS exposure via well water. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode.
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TT065 - Understanding PFAS and Private Wells (Part 1)
In this episode we're kicking off a two-part series exploring PFAS—also known as "forever chemicals"—and their impact on private well users. Jennifer and Steve are joined by Dr. Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson and Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, two leading experts in environmental health and water quality. Together, they break down the science behind PFAS, discuss how these chemicals enter our water supplies, and share new research on exposure risks for private well users. Our conversation explores the challenges, health implications, and ongoing efforts to protect drinking water in rural communities. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode.
Everyone has a role to play in protecting public health. Tap Talk, the Drinking Water in Rural America Podcast, connects professionals across the drinking water community with ideas to extend and enhance our work.
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